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Episode 203: Data Can’t Be the End…It Needs to be the Start
Episode 203: Data Can’t Be the End…It Needs to be the Start 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.”Bernard Williams

Schools are back in session and what better way to kick off a new school year than with an America’s Jobs Team episode that focuses on toolkits, data, inclusion, equity, and plenty of activity!

What tools do you have in your toolkit to help your community and/or region showcase what resources are available to them? And are you maximizing the opportunity of what you are given? Peter Frosch, President and CEO of GREATER MSP, is creative by nature with a passion to build coalitions and tackle problems. He highlights how the GREATER MSP website works to build and explain a problem through their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tracker. The Tracker shares “how 17 cities and 12 counties have committed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars in its first year.”

Part of taking those steps and leaps through challenges and careers is having some courage and knowing how to manage your energy through the process. Peter and Carla also talk about what he wants to be most remembered for: his courage to run at problems with everything he has. It’s about the actions defining the change within the process.

This episode is jam-packed with insights and you’ll have to tune in to the latest and greatest episode to hear more from Peter Frosch. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 202: Go North of The Border
Episode 202: Go North of The Border 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“When you speak to companies about attracting and retaining talent, we often say that you can find a diverse workforce, and you can scale in the Toronto region. You can find your talent here and as hopefully the company continues to grow and be successful, you can find people here to do that.” -Michael Keoshkerian

What features and amenities does your community or region offer that makes it unique? For native Canadian and Toronto resident, Michael Keoshkerian, Canada has provided him with the necessary resources to implement growth strategies for his region. Today, Michael joins America’s Jobs Team to share upon some of the work he’s been a part of in Toronto.

Michael, currently serving as a Senior Advisor at Toronto Global, describes his role as the most challenging position in his career, but also the most rewarding. After previous professional experience in civil service within the Ontario government, Michael, like many others, explains that he somewhat stumbled upon this complex industry.

Living and working in a dynamic area like Toronto, Canada has paved the way for a major and diverse workforce. Programs such as the Global Talent Stream allows for companies to get referred and attract highly talented workers from abroad. Along with a diverse workforce, Toronto offers many opportunities in technology, auto manufacturing, and life sciences. Programs and opportunities such as these are why Michael describes Canada as a magnet for immigration, and why economic growth in his region has grown substantially.

With a metro population of nearly seven million people, Toronto has plenty of opportunities in diverse, rapidly growing industries. Tune in to today’s America’s Jobs Team to hear more from Michael Keoshkerian about why he’s proud to call Canada home. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 201: The Impact of Community
Episode 201: The Impact of Community 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“You get to see the community change daily. Myself and my staff get to impact the community whether it’s working with our commission or working with state leaders.” –Cal Wray

What is your region and community best known for? When you first hear Augusta, Georgia, your mind may automatically resort to the iconic Master’s tournament. For Cal Wray, President at the Development Authority of Augusta, Georgia, working in Augusta provides many attributes and elements to attract high quality talent and a motivated workforce. Having such an event, essentially right in his backyard, has done wonders for his region in attracting tourism, and achieving community recognition.

However, Cal explains that his community of Augusta has much more to offer than just the Master’s. The Development Authority of Augusta, Georgia provides many opportunities in diverse industries and landscapes. Cal’s organization also partners with local colleges and universities to create training and apprenticeship programs in industries such as cyber security. Thanks to relationships like this, he’s seen tremendous growth in population within the counties he serves.

Augusta is host of the Master’s Golf Tournament, which is an iconic staple of the sports world and an event attended by individuals globally. While thankful for the opportunity and community recognition, Cal Wray emphasizes just how much more the region has to offer. Tune in to America’s Jobs Team to hear more about his passion for his region, and his personal economic development journey. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 200: Building Your Professional Network
Episode 200: Building Your Professional Network 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“We exist to ultimately drive forward strategic initiatives, diversify the economy, and to raise the quality of living for everyone. We’re trying to make peoples lives better in our community.” -Danielle Casey

How did you first get involved in economic development? Danielle Casey’s unconventional path towards this industry came about after her previous experience in social work. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in Anthropology, she was introduced to the business of economic development, and hasn’t looked back since.

Danielle, currently serving as President at the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, describes herself as an economic developer more so into community leadership, because of her training and previous work within her communities. Recently named a 2022 Women of Influence honoree by Albuquerque Business First, Danielle places a major emphasis on growing your professional network. Economic development has allowed her to make long lasting personal friendships, as well as helping to navigate the industry.

Danielle’s passion for her community exemplifies exactly what economic development is all about, assisting and serving those within your region. Today’s episode of America’s Jobs Team dives deep into her professional background as she shares lessons she’s learned through the business, and her favorite memories created over the years. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 199: Listening to the Market
Episode 199: Listening to the Market 150 150 America's Jobs Team

Development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies. – Joseph E. Stiglitz

What would you say your purpose is within economic development? For Desa Burton, changing the lives of those within her community through job opportunities has been the focus of her organization. Zip Code Wilmington focuses on providing quality software development training to adults looking to pursue careers within technology. Thanks largely to their “software bootcamp,” they were recently named a Top 5 software bootcamp program in the country.

Desa, Executive Director of Zip Code Wilmington, a graduate of the Naval Academy, as well as Penn Law School, explains that she fell in love with the overall mission of the organization after pursuing careers in other fields. The change and impact they were having in individuals’ lives was something that attracted her to this profession. The overall support from the region, as well as Delaware’s Governor have helped their program maintain success, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a result, that makes the Delaware region a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” she explains.

We first met Desa at ECONOMIX New Orleans in 2017. If you weren’t there with us, you’re in for a treat! Today’s episode of America’s Jobs Team gives a glimpse into Desa’s passion for Zip Code Wilmington, and why she is so enthusiastic about assisting her community. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 198: The Power of Team in Economic Development
Episode 198: The Power of Team in Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” – Henry Ford

What would you say your economic development superpower is? Jason Giulietti describes his as the power of team, and he takes pride in playing a leadership role on his. Currently serving as President at Greater San Marcos Partnership, Jason takes the hot seat and puts a major emphasis on team and culture not just at his organization, but as well as his community.

The Greater San Marcos Partnership is located in and serves Central Texas. Jason describes the region as one of the best locations in the country, if not the world for economic development. Nestled between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos has recently seen exponential growth within their community due to the assets the region has to offer. “We’re doing controlled growth, we’re managing the growth, and we’re ultimately seeing success as we continue to grow our region,” he explains.

Today’s episode of America’s Jobs Team highlights the power of a team within economic development. Hear more from Jason as he expresses his passion for Central Texas and trends he’s seeing within his region. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 197: Taking a Leap of Faith
Episode 197: Taking a Leap of Faith 150 150 America's Jobs Team

Economic development is all about connecting, networking, and relationships.”  -Christina Frank

Have you ever considered taking a leap of faith in your career? For Christina Frank, economic development wasn’t quite in her sights as she began her career in social work after college. Despite her untraditional path towards economic development, this “leap of faith” has paid off for her in a major way.

Christina, recognized as a 2022 Top 50 Economic Developer, takes the hot seat on America’s Jobs Team to outline her career path and shares how she ultimately landed in this industry. Currently serving as Vice President, and lead of External Affairs at Cornerstone Alliance, she assists in small business development for local entrepreneurs. She explains that “small business is really the backbone of our communities.” The resources that they provide to up-start companies have led to sustainability and job growth for those she serves.

Christina’s work within economic development shows just how truly endless the possibilities are. Coming from a social work background, she applies her knowledge and skills to better assist those within her region. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 196: Connecting the Dots
Episode 196: Connecting the Dots 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“The ultimate resource in economic development is people. It is people, not capital or raw materials that develop an economy.” – Peter Drucker

What began as a small two-page business plan has developed into something spectacular. Jennifer Owens CEcD, President of Lakeshore Advantage, joins Carla Sones on America’s Job Team Podcast. She reflects on her time at Southwest Michigan First, the upstart of Consultant Connect, and her current role with Lakeshore Advantage.

Jennifer, a 2022 Top 50 recipient, discusses the future of economic development. “Understanding industry trends and outlooks and new technologies is really important,” she explains. Some recent trends she addresses include increasing inflation, supply chain issues, and the ongoing trouble of finding access to and attracting talent.

The beginning of any business venture can be tricky, and at times overwhelming. Today’s podcast episode takes a dive into Jennifer’s journey through economic development, and how Consultant Connect came to be. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 195: Long-Term Connections Within Economic Development
Episode 195: Long-Term Connections Within Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Economic development is a great profession. It’s one where you do make lifetime friends” –  Jim Staton

Have you ever built a long-lasting friendship through a working relationship? Carla Sones welcomes in good friends Chris Schastok and Jim Staton to share their experiences and how they met through economic development.

Chris Schastok, Executive Vice President at CBRE in the greater Chicago area, describes the industry as a relationship business. Working with people day-in and day-out you trust and have a great deal of respect for is critical for success in this role. His good friend Jim Stanton, Economic Development Lead at The AES Corporation, recognized as a 2022 Top 50 Economic Developer, reflects on their friendship and shares his outlook on the future of economic development.

Networking and building relationships are key within this industry. Today’s podcast episode sheds light on all the possibilities of building long-term connections. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 194: Know Your Why and Create Trust Within Your Team
Episode 194: Know Your Why and Create Trust Within Your Team 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Trust is something that is built. Everybody has to come to the table being willing to bring their best to an event but also be prepared to flex in and out of roles.” – Carla Sones

When you bring site consultants or others into your community, what is your why? Why are you doing this event? Knowing your why is one of the most critical aspects of executing an event. But it is even more important to have a team that will help keep you accountable to your why.

Welcome back to part two of Carla’s conversation about all things event experiences, execution, and logistics with Cynthia McMullin. She talks about how she researches and finds venues for each event, the importance of staying true to the event’s theme, the trust and energy of your team to know that things will just get done, why you need to celebrate the strengths of the team, and beyond.

Do you know your why? Our why is to bring site consultants and economic developers together through various events and services and in partnership with One Columbus, we’re taking our annual conference ECONOMIX to Columbus, OH this December. If you are interested in attending ECONOMIX this coming December 6, 7 and 8, reach out to Nick Riashi at nick@consultantconnect.org or register via Eventbrite. You can find today’s episode on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai